Decentralisation, delegation of authority, and power control in the two-tier local government model: Some recommendations for the draft political report to the 14th National Party Congress

Abstract

In the process of constructing a socialist rule-of-law state, streamlining administrative apparatuses and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations have consistently been central tasks. The Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW (2017) emphasises the need to continue reforming and re-organising the political system’s organisational structure towards greater conciseness, effi ciency, and effectiveness. A significant milestone was marked by the 2025 Constitution and the 2025 Law on Organisation of Local government (Law no. 72/2025/QH15), which established a two-tier local government model, formally eliminating the district level. This transformation not only aims to streamline the administrative system and reduce intermediary layers but also introduces new requirements regarding decentralisation, delegation of authority, and control of power.